Related Stories

By Paul Gorst

The Brazilian midfielder admits that he still checks when the national squad is announced and feels the lack of players of his type in his homeland may benefit him in future

Porto midfielder Fernando has said that he is hoping to earn a call-up to the Brazil national soon in the near future.

The 25-year-old has impressed for the Portuguese champions this season, and feels the lack of players in his position will help his case for a Selecao spot.

“I always check when the team is announced and I’m still hopeful,” he is quoted saying by Fifa.com

“I get letters from fans and they ask me about the national team, and all I can say is that I’m going to keep on working. I get a lot of exposure here in Europe but not in Brazil because I left home early.

“I play like a European now and not at all like a Brazilian holding midfielder. There aren't [defensive midfielders] any in Brazil, which could work in my favour and that is why I’m still hopeful of getting my chance.

"I get the feeling he’s going to need one soon. I think defensive midfielders bring balance to any team, like Gilberto Silva and Dunga did before [in the World Cup-winning squads of 1994 and 2002].”